Neymar out of Brazil squad!

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that star player Neymar will miss the team's final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia, extending his absence from the national team to nearly two years. Ancelotti attributed Neymar's exclusion from the 23-man squad to a minor calf muscle injury he recently suffered, stressing that the team needs players at their best to finish the qualifiers with a strong performance despite Brazil already qualifying for the next tournament. Neymar has not played for his country since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury that hindered his return to the field. He rejoined his boyhood club Santos this season, where he has shown glimpses of his usual form, scoring six goals and providing six assists in 19 appearances. Ancelotti stated in the press conference, "We don't need to evaluate Neymar; we all know his capabilities, but we need him at his best to help the team in the way we all know how to do." He added that his exit after Santos' 6-0 defeat to Vasco, appearing moved to tears, reflects the challenges the player currently faces. Brazil's squad includes a mix of veteran stars such as Alisson, Marquinhos, and Casemiro, alongside young talents, most notably Chelsea youngster Estevao, and the return of West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, as the team seeks to end its qualifying campaign in the best possible way.